Best team lost says Cuper

AC Milan booked their place in the Champions League final by hanging on for a 1-1 draw with city rivals Inter last night but defiant Inter coach Hector Cuper insisted his players had turned in the better performance.

AC Milan booked their place in the Champions League final by hanging on for a 1-1 draw with city rivals Inter last night but defiant Inter coach Hector Cuper insisted his players had turned in the better performance.

Andriy Shevchenko's goal in first-half injury-time was levelled by Inter substitute Obafemi Martins with seven minutes remaining but despite a grandstand finish by the Nerazzurri it was AC who progressed on the away goals rule after last week's 0-0 draw in the first leg.

Cuper said: "I did not think Milan were better. As far as chances created were concerned, I think we were better than Milan but the ball would not go in.

"I am pleased with my team and with the two chances for Kallon and Ivan Cordoba we could have won it."

Shevchenko's goal earned Milan a final place against either Real Madrid or Juventus, with the Spaniards taking a 2-1 lead to Turin for tonight's second leg of their semi-final.

"It is certainly the most important goal of my career," said the Ukrainian. "Now we have good hopes for the final."

Asked whether he would prefer to face Juventus or Real Madrid in the final at Old Trafford on May 28 he said: "There is no such thing as a weak team in a final."

Italy's prime minister and AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi was first to congratulate his players.

Berlusconi, whose money bank-rolled Milan's glory days in the late 1980s and early 1990s before he concentrated on his political career, was delighted to be back in the final.

"I am breathing fresh air, the air of a final," said Berlusconi, whose side in the 1980s and 1990s added three European titles to the two they had won under previous owners in the 1960s.

As for tonight's other semi, Ronaldo is hoping to line up after treatment on a calf injury.

He said: "I am well. I underwent some tests and the truth is that I feel very well. As time passes I feel more optimistic."